Underground conduit system



June 7, 1932.

M. A. coLLlNs 1,861,436

UNDERGROUND CONDUIT SYSTEM I Filed oct. 5. 192s 4 sheets-sheet 2 fig@ 2 /NI/ENTOR A 'ORA/EY June 7, 1932.- M A, COLLINS 1,861,436

UNDERGROUND CONDUIT SYSTEM Filed Oct. 5, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 M vlEA/ TOR I' l i TOR/VE);

June 7, 1932.

M. A. COLLINS UNDERGROUND CONDUIT SYSTEM Filed 0G11. 5. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet, 4

BY .MM wf VVENTOR 'i 7 relation,

Patented June 7, 1932 l UNITED STATES MURRAY ALVLN' COLLINS, OF

MANVILLE CORPORATION, OF

UNDERGROUND coNDUrr sirsmmul PATENT' OFFICE v i Application filed October 5, 1928. Serial No. 310,615.

My invention relates to an underground conduit system through which a liquid or gaseous medium is conducted or passed from one region to another.

In accordance with my invention, a plurality of domes or U-shaped housing members are disposedon a suitable base in endto-end relation to form a shell or housing for one or more pipes traversed by a fiuid medium.

Further in accordance with my invention,

the aforesaid shell or housing is divided into upper and lower chambers, preferably by members or aprons disposed in end-to-end the upper chamber containing a fluid-passing pipe surrounded by loose heatinsulating material. More particularly, in accordance with my invention, the aforesaid base, domes and aprons are formed of cementitious material of a character resistant to the passage of moisture or water.

Further in accordance with my invention, the fluid-passing pi e or pipes are anchored or guided by suita le structure molded in the aforesaid base and disposed entirely within the shell or housing formed by the aforesaid domes.

had to the accompanying the direction of the arrows.

Flg. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a modified form of my invention.

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on t-he'line 4-4 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows. i

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 6--6 of Fig. 1 and looking in` the direction of `the arrows.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of an inspecting and venting arrangement and is taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. l looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view illustrating a modified form of my invention.

Fig.I 9 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 9 9 of Fig. 8 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

In accordance with my invention, a channer or trench of suitable configuration is formed in the earth and at its bottom, there is provided a base or support 1 for a shell or housing formed preferably of a plurality of dome-shaped structures 2 disposed in endto-end relation.

. The base 1 may be formed of any suitable material, preferably, however, and as illustrated, of waterproof concrete which, while in a plastic or semi-plastic state, is disposed in the aforesaid trench and allowed to harden or set, expansion joints, not shown, ordinarily being provided to prevent fracture of the hardened mass upon change in the ambient temperature.

The base 1 is laid and sloped to sump drains communicating with a sewer or dry well. When thus arranged, proper disposition will be made of any leakage water which may come within the conduit system. Preferably, and as illustrated, the base 1 is somewhat lower at substantially its mid-point than at its sides thereby forming a shallow trough. However, the base upper surfaces are preferably substantially fiat to facilitate removal of mate rial in the event that a cave-in should occur.

The domes 2 likewise may be formed of any suitable material such, for example, as a mixture of cement and mortar which, While in a plastic or semi-plastic state, is performed in a mold of suitable shape, the mixture, after hardening or setting, retaining the configuration imposed by the mold. Thereafter, the domes should be treated with a suitable Waterproofing agent or medium, such, for example, as sulphur in which, while in a molten condition and atsuitable temperature the domes may be soaked until properly impregnated.

It is desirable that the domes 2 be sealed to the base 1 and to this end, the latter, during the casting operation, may be provided with spaced, parallel channels for the respective dome legs, or edges, a suitable compoun or agent 3, such as bituminous or asphaltum cement, sealing the joints.

As stated above, the domes in end-to-end relation on the base 1 and as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, adjacent domes are bevelled and spaced slightly from each other, the spaces thus provided being filled with a sealing compound 4. In performing this sealing operation, it is desirable that the end surfaces of adjacent domes be primed with an asphaltic medium, or the like, after which a suitable packing or joint is disposed in the open space, the latter being covered with a bituminous or asphaltic cement, or equivalent, in which is embedded a sheet of fabric 5, Figs. 4 and 5, such as asbestes roofing or sheeting material, which thereafter shouldbe treated with a suitable coating agent.

Disposed within the housing formed by the domes 2 is a pipe P through which passes the aforesaid liquid orgaseous medium. The pipe P is supported in spaced regions by suitable means, prefer ybly of an adjustable character and, ordinarily, at sufficient height above the base 1 to provide a chamber or passageway. The supporting means, as illustrated on the drawings, comprises spaced vertically extending standards 6, embedded in the base 1 for carrying horizontal rods or members 7. In order that the members 7 may be adjusted in a vertical direction, the upper ends of the standards 6 may be bifurcated, Figs. 4 and 5, for the reception of bolts 8, or the like, each of which holds a member or block 9 in selected position along a standard 6, teeth or serrations preferably being provided to prevent slippage.

Apipe The blocks 9 are recessed to provide bearings for the members 7, which preferably carry rollers 10 for supporting the pipe P.

The distance between adjacent supporting suitable and desirable, such, for example, as twelve feet, more or less. These supporting devices,

equipped as they are with the' rollers 10,-

freelyPpermit longitudinal movement of the In there may advantageously be utilized anarrangement by which the space within the domes 2i is divided into upper and lower` chambers or passageways. To this end, there may be a dividing means provided which, as`

illustrated, comprises a plurality of members or aprons 12 disposed in end-to-end relation and each resting on a plurality of supporting standards 13, which may be made of metal or any other suitable material and form; for instance, they may consist of concrete blocks or slabs,

2 are disposed` compound aprons may 'position waterproof of the pi e P,

lieu ofthe construction described above,

.by members 18 and and in all forms they are adapted to be readily installed and removed. The aprons may also be supported by brackets carried on the standards 6 as disclosed in d Fig. 8.

r1he aprons 12, preferably, correspond in length with the domes 2, and the joints between adjacent domes should be disposed substantially vertically above the respective joints between adjacent aprons. However,

' it will be seen that the nature of the structure is such that the relative position and relaions of the parts can be changed to suit the occasion. As disclosed by Fig. 5, they are provided with clearances for the standards 6, blocks 9 and bolts8. The aprons may be made of concrete or any other suitable material, and in the preferred form the concrete may be rendered waterproof the same as the domes. They are spaced in such a way as to provide a channel-like way, and each is provided with perforations 14 for the passage of drip water; the shape or contour of the be such that their upper faces slope or slant towards thgir respective perforations.

When the aprons 12 are utilized, as aforesaid, the heat-insulating pipe covering material 11, Fig. 3, ordinarily is omitted, and in lieu thereof the entire upper chamber within the domes 2 is filled with a mass 15 of mineral wool or asbestos or magnesia,'or a combination of the above, or other suitable heat-insulating material. It may be desirable, with the construction illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4, to utilize a liner 16,V preferably corrugated, and of suitable'sheet material, such as commaterial of the nature of roofing or the'like, orof sheet metal which may be copper. This liner rests upon the upper ends of the standards 13 or on the apron, as may be desired, and prevents the admission of moisture to the upper chamber in case there should be a defect in one or more of the domes 2 or in the joints therebetween. To 'control thrust or expansion movement -there may be utilized anchors such as i lustrated in Figs. 1 and 6, each of said anchors comprising spaced standards 17, 17 of boiler plate, or the like. The lower flanged ends of the aforesaid standards are embedded in the base 1 from which they extend upwardly and pass through slots or clearances in the adjacent apron 12, the upper ends of said standards having secured thereto the complemental members 18 and 19 and may be welded to the pipe P or clamped bolts 20, or the like-v Alternately, the 19 may be utilized as a guide, in which case, the pipe P is loosely mounted therewithin. Preferably, as illustrated in Fig. 1, .a clamping or guiding anchor, as aforesaid, is disposed mid-Way between pairs of the pige supporting devices comprising the standar 6.

leo

For the purpose that the domes 2 may be readily inspected and to provide ready access to leaks, inspection pipes and vents may be spaced suitable distances, such as thirty feet, more or less, along the conduit system. Two of these inspection units are illustrated generally in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 7 their construction is more specifically shown as comprising a special nipple 21 molded into the roof of one of the domes 2 and having a passage communicating with the dome interior. A pipe 22 connected to the nipple 21 by a coupling 23 constitutes a tell-tale which extends interiorly of and is embedded in a mass of concrete 24 disposed in a conduit 25 of substantial diameter. The pipe 22 may be provided with a detachable cap 26 and the pipe 25 with a detachable cover plate 27. Obviously, upon removal of the cap 26 and plate 27, the interior of the dome may be inspected and, in case of a substantial leak, vapor may emerge from the conduit 22 thereby visually indlcating the approximate position of said lea The feature last mentioned is of particular importance when the housing formed by the domes 2 is provided with partitions or shutters 28 consisting of upper and lower "companion plate members, as shown in Fig.

1 of suitable waterproof material, as asbestos wood, and ordinarily located substantially mid-way between the aforesaid inspection units. These partitions or shutters Yform a number of substantiall isolated chambers extending longitudinally of the aforesaid housing, in any one of which, leaking liquid or vapor may be confined, locaiton of said leak being readily permitted through one of the inspection units. Furthermore, when the aprons, in conjunction with the filler 15, is utilized, the aforesaid partitions prevent travel of moisture by capillary action between adjacent longitudinal chambers of the housing structure.

In accordance with. a preferred form of my invention, the base 1, domes 2 and aprons 12 are constructed of waterproof cementitious material from which accurately finished parts may be fashioned, although at times, other materials, such as tiles or metals may be utilized. However, the. utilization of cementitious material is especially advantageous in that the aforesaid parts may be cast on the job the domes 2 being placed in position after installation of the fluid-passing .pipe or pipes, supports, insulation, etc.

Moreover, the utilization of cementitious material, as aforesaid, simplifies the construction and installation of the system, ren-- ders the same durable, compact, acid-resistant and lowers the cost. The system may be installed in cold weather and when installed, the absorption isl much less than with the terra cotta tile installations of the prior art. The anchor pits, underdrain and drainage stone of the prior art are eliminated and the amount of insulation filling material is greatly reduced, with no decrease in insulation e'iciency.

With a conduit system constructed in accordance with my invention, an uninterrupted view, for inspection purposes may be obtained from end to end thereof. By virtue of this feature, dampness of the insulating material or the passage of leakage water through any of the apron holes 14 may be readily observed.

A conduit system of the character herein illustrated is allowsfor various combinations with refer.- ence to pipe installations. Thus, in the form of my invention illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, each member or bar 7 may be provided with a plurality of spaced rollers 10 for supportlng a plurality ofthe fluid-passing pipes P Which, obviously, may be of different sizes, if desired. Figs. 8 and 9 are also yillustrative of a form of my invention wherein the upper chamber contains feed pipes P and the lower chamber contains return pipes P. ln a construction of this character, each bar 7 and the supporting blocks 9 therefor are disposed in a more elevated position than illustrated in Fig.'v2, while beneath each bar 7, there is disposed a similar bar 7 carried by blocks 9', each of which is secured to a standard 6 by a bolt 8', or the like. The return pipes P are directly supported by rollers 10 carried by the bars 7 said return pipes P being disposed in the chamber below the support for the particular apron `12 positioned thereon.

will to vary the sizes of the chambers thereabove vand therebeneath.

It will be observed that the aprons 12 are readily removable. Hence, the specifically Y different constructions illustrated in Figs.

2 and 3 may be utilized as desired without change of the base o f dome structure.

Since the rollers 10 are vertically adjustable, they may readily be brought into proper relation with respect to the hereby-supported pipe, the entire length of which may be disposed at a desired height due to this adjustable feature.

It shall be understood that the apparatus or structure herein shown and. described is' only illustrative of my invention and that This alternative arrange` yment is particularly advantageous' in thatV the aprons 12 may be verticallyadjusted at' very advantageous 1n that it llv other arrangements are within the purview thereof.

What I claim is:

` l. In an underground conduit system comprising a base, domes disposed on said base in an end-to-end relation, and a removable partition dividing the space in said domes into continuous upper and lower chambers, a pipe in the upper chamber surrounded with 1nsulating material, and a pipe in the lower chamber.

2. An underground conduit system comprising a base, dome structure forsaid base, groups of spaced standards disposed longitudinally along said base, and members lsupported by said standards and forming a members likewise disposed in an end-to-end relation and dividing the space in said dome structure into a plurality of chambers, and vertically adjustable pipe-supporting means disposed, respectively, in said chambers.

5. An underground conduit system comprising a base, dome structure for said base, groups of spaced standards disposed longitudinally along said base, supporting members adjustable along said standards, and a partition carried by said supporting members and dividing the space in said dome structure into a plurality of chambers.

6. An underground conduit system comprising a base, dome structure for said base, a partition dividing -the space in said dome structure into aplurality of chambers, pipes in said chambers, and a plurality of members each coacting with said partition and pipes jointly for supporting them.

7. In an underground conduit system comprising a base, domes, disposed on said base in an end-to-end relation, and a vertically adjustable partition dividing the space in said domes into continuous upper and lower chambers, a pipe in the upper chamber surrounded with insulating material, and a pipe in the lower chamber.

8. In an underground conduit system comprising a base, domes disposed on said base in an end-to-end relation, and a vertically 'adjustable partition dividing the space in said domes into continuous upper and lower chambers, a pipe surrounded with insulating nf.- lerial supported on vertically adjustable means in the upper chamber, and a pipe supported on vertically adjustable means in the lower chamber.

. 9. An underground conduit system comprising a base, dome structure for said base, standards spaced longitudinally along said base, members supported by said standards and forming a partition dividing the space in said dome structure into a plurality of horizontal chambers and horizontally arranged pipe-supporting means positioned in the upper chamber'and adjustably secured to said standards.

10. An underground conduit system comprising a base, dome structure for said base, standards spaced longitudinally along said base, verticall adjustable supporting members adjustab y attached to said standards, a partition carried by said supporting members and dividing the space in the dome structure into a plurality of horizontal chambers, horizontally arranged pipe supporting means positioned in at least one of said chambers and adjustably secured to said standards.

11. An underground'conduit system comprising a base, dome structure for said base, standards spaced longitudinally along said base,aplurality of horizontally arranged supporting means adjustably secured to each of said standards, a partition carried by certain of said supporting means' and dividing the space in the dome structure into a plurality of horizontal chambers and a pipe carried by others of said supporting means.

12. In an underground conduit system for housing pipes, a plurality of pipe housing members disposedin an endtoend relation and constituting a conduit7 partitionmembers disposed transversely in said conduit in. an end-to-end relation and dividing the space therein into an upper and lower chamber, and pipe supporting rollers disposed in each of said chambers.'

Signed at New York in the county of New York and State of New York this 2nd day of October A. D. 1928.

MURRAY ALVIN COLLINS. 

